Seattle GM John Schneider hinted Wednesday that he won’t jeopardize the long-term future of the Seahawks by signing quarterback Russell Wilson to a contract extension that harms the team’s ability to retain other key contributors.

“We have a track record of rewarding our players that we recognize as core players,” Schneider told KIRO FM’s Dori Monson. “Every negotiation is unique in and of itself, and this is no different. He’s our quarterback. We’d love him to be our quarterback. But the thing is we need to keep as many of these guys together as we possibly can.”

Schneider and his wife Traci appeared on Monson’s show to promote “Ben’s Fund,” their autism grant organization named after their 13-year old son, as part of Autism Awareness Month. But Monson also asked about the negotiations between the Seahawks and Wilson as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Schneider said the 26-year-old signal caller was just one of the players they were looking to secure beyond the 2015 season.

“We have had talks with Russell obviously,” Schneider said. “We’d like to move forward now with a number of our guys who going to be unrestricted next year: Russell, obviously being our quarterback, (linebacker) Bobby Wagner, (guard J.R.) Sweezy, (wide receiver) Jermaine Kearse — we have a number of unrestricted guys.”

Schneider referenced the team’s history of making tough decisions with popular players as part of the way he’s done business since joining Seattle in 2010, bringing up former Seahawks defensive end Cory Redding and wide receiver Nate Burleson as examples of players he let walk away at the end of their contracts rather than sign them to deals that hamstrung the club moving forward.

“They were two guys that we had a lot of respect for, but where we were on our cap at the time, we had to make decisions,” he said. “We’re back in a world with a salary cap and we need to be cognizant of that.”

Wilson is obviously a more important piece to the current Seahawks roster than Redding or Burleson ever were, but Schneider’s message seems clear: he will do what he believes is best for the long-term success of the team in every contract negotiation, regardless of the player involved.

That may simply be a negotiation ploy as Wilson’s representatives likely try to secure a deal that will make the three-year veteran one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. But figuring out a way to reward Wilson for massively outplaying his rookie deal while keep enough salary cap space to make sure the team isn’t gutted in free agency over the coming years will be a distinct challenge for the GM.

“We want to be a consistent championship-caliber football team, one that the community and the Northwest is extremely proud of every year and has high expectations and hopes for,” Schneider said. “We have to be able to protect ourselves as we go and make smart decisions in trying to keep this whole thing together as long as we possibly can.”

Schneider also said he thought it would be difficult for Wilson to pursue a professional baseball career, something the fourth-year signal caller said he hasn’t given up on during an appearance on HBO’s “Real Sports” over the weekend.

“I think one of the primary things that really attracted Russell to us — I know me in particular — was the confidence he has in himself and the goals, dreams, aspirations. He’s off the charts in terms of his confidence level and the way he views himself, so it doesn’t surprise me that he would think that way,” Schneider said. “Quite frankly, I haven’t thought much about the baseball aspect of it. Based on the position that he plays in football, I think it would be difficult. But the way he attacks everything, I don’t think you could put anything past him.”

Schneider wouldn’t discuss whether or not the Seahawks would prohibit Wilson from playing baseball as part of the new contract.

Shead, Lockette sign tenders

[Updated 3:45 p.m.]

Defensive back DeShawn Shead and wide receiver Ricardo Lockette officially rejoined the Seahawks for the 2015 season after signing their exclusive-rights free agent tenders. Shead signed Thursday, per the NFL transaction report, while Lockette re-upped on Wednesday.

The deals will earn each player $660,000 for the year.

Shead, 26, played in all 16 games for the Seahawks in 2014, mostly seeing action on special teams. He started Seattle’s Week 9 win over Oakland and racked up 17 total tackles and two passes defended on the year.

The 28-year-old Lockette had a career-high 11 receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games and played a key part in Seattle’s special teams coverage units. However, his season will likely best be remembered for his role in the final moments of Super Bowl XLIX, when Lockette was Wilson’s target on the Seahawks’ final offensive play, which led to a game-clinching interception by New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler at the goal line.

<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>C Max Unger</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 28 | College: Oregon | NFL experience: 6<br>
<p>In exchange for Graham and a fourth-round pick, the Seahawks sent New Orleans a first-round pick and Unger, the heart and soul of Seattle’s offensive line during his tenure with the team. One of the best centers in the NFL when healthy, he will be missed.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>RB Marshawn Lynch</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 28 | College: California | NFL experience: 8<br>
2014 stats: 16 games, 280 carries, 1,306 yards, 13 touchdowns</p>
<p>After a couple of weeks of drama, “Beast Mode” was persuaded to return to Seattle after signing a new three-year deal on March 6 that could pay him $31 million. That ensures Lynch will continue to be the Hawks’ bell-cow back for at least one more season.</p>
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<p><b><small>COMING</small><br/><big>CB Cary Williams</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 30 | College: Washburn | NFL experience: 7<br>
2014 stats: 16 games, 60 total tackles, 10 passes defended, 2 interceptions</p>
<p>After developing into a very capable starter with the Ravens, Williams signed with Philadelphia in 2013. He struggled somewhat with the Eagles, but the Seahawks hope he’ll be a fit in their system, signing him to a three-year, $18 million deal on March 9.</p>
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<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>CB Byron Maxwell</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 27 | College: Clemson | NFL experience: 4<br>
2014 stats: 13 games, 50 total tackles, 13 passes defended, 2 interceptions</p>
<p>The Seahawks knew it was going to be hard to keep Maxwell after he turned in an excellent season in 2014. That was confirmed when he signed a massive, six-year deal worth $63 million ($25 million guaranteed) with the Eagles on March 10.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>WR Jermaine Kearse</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 25 | College: Washington | NFL experience: 3<br>
2014 stats: 15 games, 38 receptions, 537 yards, touchdown</p>
<p>Seattle ensured that the Lakewood High School and UW alum would return when they offered the restricted free agent a second-round tender in March. He signed the tender after the draft, resulting in a one-year, $2.356 million deal for 2015.</p>
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<p><b><small>COMING</small><br/><big>DT Ahtyba Rubin</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 28 | College: Iowa State | NFL experience: 7<br>
2014 stats: 13 games, 28 total tackles, sack, pass defended</p>
<p>Rubin spent each of his first seven NFL seasons in Cleveland after he was selected in the sixth round of the 2008 draft out of Iowa State. A versatile defender who has played in multiple schemes, the 6-foot-2 and 321-pound Rubin could ideally back up Brandon Mebane and Tony McDaniel in the center of Seattle’s defensive line.</p>
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<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>S Jeron Johnson</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 26 | College: Boise State | NFL experience: 4<br>
2014 stats: 15 games, 20 total tackles, pass defended</p>
<p>Johnson, a former high-school teammate of Richard Sherman's, was a key backup and special teams player with Seattle. He'll get a chance to start in Washington after agreeing to a deal with D.C. on March 16.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>DB DeShawn Shead</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 26 | College: Portland State | NFL experience: 3<br>
2014 stats: 16 games, 17 tackles, 2 passes defended</p>
<p>A special teams regular for Seattle over much of the past two seasons, Shead’s value comes from his versatility, as he can play both cornerback and safety. With injuries throughout the Legion of boom this offseason, it made sense to extend him a qualifying offer.</p>
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<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>TE Zach Miller</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 29 | College: Arizona State | NFL experience: 8<br>
2014 stats: 3 games, 6 receptions, 76 yards</p>
<p>Miller was a solid starter for his first three seasons in Seattle, but his foot and ankle never healed correctly after surgery during the Seahawks’ Week 4 bye. He failed his physical with the team and was released on March 6.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>FB/DL Will Tukuafu</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 31 | College: Oregon | NFL experience: 4<br>
2014 stats: 9 games, 2 total tackles</p>
<p>After signing with the Seahawks in October following a season-ending injury to Derrick Coleman, Tukuafu appeared in 12 contests with Seattle, playing on both sides of the ball. He re-signed on April 1 and should compete for a roster spot in training camp, but at what position?</p>
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<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>OL Stephen Schilling</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 26 | College: Michigan | NFL experience: 4<br>
<p>The former Bellevue High School star unexpectedly announced his retirement on April 2, just a week after Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said the team was planning on bringing him back in 2015. Schilling was capable of playing both guard and center, and his versatility will be missed.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>C Lemuel Jeanpierre</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 27 | College: South Carolina | NFL experience: 4<br>
<p>The Seahawks retained some experience on the interior of their line with the re-signing of Jeanpierre, who appeared in 53 games over the last four seasons with Seattle, on April 20. Jeanpierre may compete to fill Max Unger’s starting role at center, and can also add some depth at guard.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>C Lemuel Jeanpierre</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 27 | College: South Carolina | NFL experience: 4<br>
<p>The Seahawks retained some experience on the interior of their line ... more

Photo: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images

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<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>LB Malcolm Smith</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 25 | College: USC | NFL experience: 4<br>
2014 stats: 14 games, 40 total tackles, pass defended, 2 forced fumbles</p>
<p>The Super Bowl XLVIII MVP was relegated to backup duty and special teams in 2014, but he’ll get an opportunity to start with former position coach Ken Norton Jr. and the Raiders after signing a two-year, $7 million deal on March 11.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>LB Mike Morgan</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 27 | College: USC | NFL experience: 4<br>
2014 stats: 16 games, 10 total tackles</p>
<p>Smith might be leaving, but Seattle kept another former USC linebacker and key special-teams player around when they signed Morgan to a one-year deal on March 9.</p>
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<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>TE Tony Moeaki</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 27 | College: Iowa | NFL experience: 5<br>
2014 stats: 6 games, 8 receptions, 134 yards, touchdown</p>
<p>Moeaki signed with the Hawks in November after Miller suffered what would eventually turn into a season-ending ankle and foot injury in Week 2. He expressed an interest in re-signing with the Seahawks, but Seattle’s trade for All-Pro Jimmy Graham last week seemingly has them set at the position, so he signed with Atlanta.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>LS Clint Gresham</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 28 | College: Texas Christian | NFL experience: 5<br></p>
<p>Gresham has been a fixture for the Seahawks since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Christian in 2010, appearing in 80 regular-season games. Keeping him in the fold ensures the Seahawks will maintain cohesiveness among their specialists.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>LS Clint Gresham</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 28 | College: Texas Christian | NFL experience: 5<br></p>
<p>Gresham has been a fixture for the Seahawks since signing as an ... more

Photo: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>DE Demarcus Dobbs</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 27 | College: Georgia | NFL experience: 4<br>
2014 stats: 10 games, 19 total tackles</p>
<p>Dobbs played in four games with the Seahawks plus all three postseason contests after Seattle claimed him off of waivers from the 49ers in November. The 6-foot-2, 282-pounder should give the Hawks another rotational piece along the defensive line after he re-signed on March 30.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>DE Greg Scruggs</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 24 | College: Louisville | NFL experience: 3<br>
2014 stats: 3 games, 2 total tackles</p>
<p>The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder missed most of the last two seasons with knee injuries, but the Seahawks like him enough to give him a chance next season, signing him to a one-year, $785,000 contract on March 6.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>DT D’Anthony Smith</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 26 | College: Louisiana Tech | NFL experience: 4<br></p>
<p>A third-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010, the 6-foot-2, 300-pounder spent the 2014 season on injured reserve after suffering a biceps injury in the preseason. If healthy, he could provide some depth in the interior of the line.</p>
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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>DT Jesse Williams</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 24 | College: Alabama | NFL experience: 2<br>
<p>The Hawks’ fifth-round pick in 2013 just couldn’t stay on the field, as knee injuries wiped out both his professional seasons before they started. He was waived on March 6, but re-signed a split contract on April 1.</p>
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<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>T Garrett Scott</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 23 | College: Marshall | NFL experience: 1<br>
<p>Scott never played a down for the Seahawks after they selected him in the sixth round of the 2014 draft when team doctors discovered a rare heart condition. He was waived on March 6 with a non-football injury distinction.</p>
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<p><b><small>GOING</small><br/><big>T Garrett Scott</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 23 | College: Marshall | NFL experience: 1<br>
<p>Scott never played a down for the Seahawks after they selected him in the sixth ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<p><b><small>STAYING</small><br/><big>TE Anthony McCoy</b></big></p>
<p>Age: 27 | College: USC | NFL experience: 5<br>
<p>After missing 2013 and 2014 with two-straight torn Achilles’ tendons, McCoy will get another chance to provide some depth at the tight end position after signing a one-year deal to stay in Seattle.</p>
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